Chemistry

Available Options

Program Overview

The chemistry major provides a solid foundation of scientific knowledge and experimental skills in a setting that emphasizes current developments in chemistry and experience with modern instruments and laboratory techniques. A chemistry degree prepares students for graduate school in chemistry and related fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical, forensic and environmental science. The major also prepares students for careers in governmental laboratories and industry. Many of Drake's chemistry alumni have earned graduate degrees in chemistry, physics or medicine while many others have taken rewarding jobs in industry, government and academic institutions.

The Chemistry department believes that undergraduate research plays a major role in developing critical thinking, practical expertise and independence and helps create a sense of community among faculty and students. Participation in a research project is a requirement for a chemistry degree. The chemistry faculty has research expertise in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry.

B.A. Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts program is designed for students who need undergraduate training in chemistry in preparation for professional careers other than chemistry. The Bachelor of Science program is also open to those students.

Course

Credit Hours

CHEM 001 and 003 - General Chemistry I (with lab)

4

CHEM 002 and 004 - General Chemistry II (with lab)

4

CHEM 081 - Quantitative Chemical Analysis

4

CHEM 097 and 098 - Organic Chemistry I (with lab)

4

CHEM 108 and 110 - Organic Chemistry II (with lab)

4

CHEM 197 and 198 - Senior Seminar I and II

2

Requirements I - Select one course from the following:

CHEM 161 - Biophysical Chemistry

4

CHEM 165 - Physical Chemistry

4

CHEM 182 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry

4

Requirements II - (Note: for students who double-major in chemistry and another discipline, the advanced class must be selected from outside the students' second major's requirements. For example, for students who double-major in physics and chemistry, the advanced class should not be a physics major requirement, although it can be a physics major elective.) Select 4 credits from the following:

CHEM 130 and 131 - Biochemistry (with lab)

4

CHEM 155 - Advanced Organic Chemistry

4

CHEM 161 - Biophysical Chemistry

4

CHEM 165 - Physical Chemistry

4

CHEM 180 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

4

CHEM 182 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry

4

CHEM 190 - Integrated Chemistry Topics

4

Other advanced courses with a strong chemical component as approved by the chemistry department

Total

30

Supplementary courses: B.A. chemistry majors must take one semester of physics and MATH 50 - Calculus, unless you choose CHEM 166, for which Calculus up to and including MATH 100 is recommended.

B.S. Degree Requirements

Students preparing for graduate study or a professional career in chemistry should pursue the ACS-approved Bachelor of Science program.

Course

Credit Hours

CHEM 001 and 003 - General Chemistry I (with lab)

4

CHEM 002 and 004 - General Chemistry II (with lab)

4

CHEM 061 - Inorganic Chemistry

3

CHEM 081 - Quantitative Chemical Analysis

4

CHEM 097 and 098 - Organic Chemistry I (with lab)

4

CHEM 108 and 110 - Organic Chemistry II (with lab)

4

CHEM 130 and 131 - Biochemistry (with lab)

4

CHEM 148 - Research in Chemistry

3

CHEM 165 - Physical Chemistry

4

CHEM 195 and 196 - Junior Seminar I and II

2

CHEM 197 and 198 - Senior Seminar I and II

2

Chemistry electives - Select at least 12 credits from the following:

CHEM 132 and 133 - Advanced Biochemistry (with lab)

4

CHEM 155 - Advanced Organic Chemistry

4

CHEM 166 - Intermediate Physical Chemistry

4

CHEM 180 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

4

CHEM 182 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry

4

CHEM 190 - Integrated Chemistry Topics

4

Other advanced courses with a strong chemical component as approved by the chemistry department